Down Rural Area Partnership
Overview
You can only apply to the Down Rural Area Partnership for NI Rural Development Programme funding if you reside in either the Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down local authority areas, and are mainly based, or plan to be based, in either a rural locality or in a settlement with a population of 4,500 inhabitants or less.
The Down Rural Area Partnership, has been charged with administering the funds under Axis 3 of the Programme. The Rural Development Programme (RDP) aims to improve the quality of life in rural areas by supporting a wide range of projects under the following measures:
Measure 3.1 Diversification into Non- Agricultural Activities
Through this measure, the RDP aims to increase farm household income and create employment opportunities by providing assistance for farm households to diversify into non-agricultural activities on farm.
Measure 3.2 Business Creation and Development
Through this measure, the RDP aims to develop the economic infrastructure in rural areas by creating employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship. The programme will provide support for existing micro-enterprise and for individuals wishing to set up a new micro enterprise in a non-agricultural sector.
Measure 3.3 Encouragement of Tourism Activities
Through this measure the RDP offers support to maximise opportunities for tourism development which make best use of natural and cultural resources. By supporting sustainable development of the rural economy, the RDP aims to attract visitors and create new employment opportunities by providing support to existing rural tourism enterprises and for individuals wishing to develop tourism activities.
Measure 3.4 Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population
Through this measure the RDP aims to increase the attractiveness of rural areas by supporting the improvement of basic services. This will include the improvement of cultural and leisure activities and related small scale infrastructure. Support will also be provided towards the costs of identifying need in rural areas.
Measure 3.5 Village Renewal and Development
In order to support integrated village initiatives which promote community development and regeneration, the RDP will support animation and capacity building within and between villages and their surrounding rural areas.
This will include the formulation of integrated action plans to define the role of villages and fully develop the potential of rural areas.
Measure 3.6 Conservation and Upgrading the Rural Heritage
Through this measure, the RDP aims to use the natural resources in the North West Cluster area to create new employment opportunities and develop the rural economy. This will be achieved through supporting local initiatives to preserve and upgrade the rural heritage.